Seat Belts

New laws came into effect on 1 October 2010, which introduced new rules for the restraint of children and adults.  These amendments follow those made at the national level under Australian Road Rules.
 
From 1 October 2010, only passengers that are sitting in a seat that is fitted with a seat belt or child restraint fastened properly can be carried in the vehicle.  No additional unrestrained passengers will be permitted and passengers cannot share the same seat.
 
While there have been rules prohibiting the carriage of unrestrained passengers in the backs of utes, trucks and panel vans since 2006, there have been no restrictions in the case of more passengers in the main body of the vehicle than available seat belted positions. 
 
This situation was of grave concern, given the importance of restraints in protecting occupants from injury in the event of a collision.
 
For more information on the new law, please download the information document below.

New rules for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles: Carriage of additional passengers, where there are no seat belts or child restraints (2 page PDF 123 KB)

Advertising
Street Smarts advertisement - New restraint legislation (1 page PDF 123 KB)
Press - Carriage of passengers (6 page PDF 1.2 MB)
Radio - Changes to restraints laws (15 second MP3 595 KB)